Instability and migration: Land degradation affecting 3 billion people globally

The Saudi capital of Riyadh is hosting a UN-backed conference on desertification, drought and land restoration. It comes against a backdrop of three billion people across the globe suffering the impact of poor and degraded land.

Land degradation can increase migration, instability and insecurity among many communities. The conference – happening from December 2 to 13 – represents a “moonshot moment to raise global ambition and accelerate action on land and drought resilience.”

Globally, up to 40% of land is degraded. Essentially, the land’s biological or economic importance has dropped. Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change and unsustainable land management.

Desertification, drought and land restoration

COP16 offers global leaders from governments, international organisations, the private sector and civil society an opportunity to meticulously discuss the latest research and chart a path to a sustainable future of land use.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General addressed the conference in Riyadh, urging delegates to play their part and focus on three priorities, including strengthening international cooperation, cramping up restoration efforts, and ensuring the mass mobilisation of finance.

The conference on desertification, drought and land restoration comes days after Baku hosted the COP29 Summit. The climate conference had a particular focus on climate finance as the brutal manmade emergency continues to threaten lives and livelihoods.